Business Economist- The tasks  for this job include forecasting the business environment, interpreting public policy impacts, collecting  and processing  data.  These individuals may work in manufacturing, mining, transportation, communications, banking, insurance, retailing, investment, or in trade associations and consulting organizations.

Government Economist- This is one of the major sources  of employmentwith positions found within local, state, regional, and national government as well as in non-profit organizations.  Jobs in government are usually for the labor, international, development, and population economist.  Working for Congress and the Legislature is new, and economists are greatly in demand.  These individuals evaluate programs and their efficiency, draft economic legislation, analyze data for prepartion of state economy studies.

Academic Economist- A Ph.D. degree is usually required to teach at a college level. Tasks in this area are mostly in research, teaching, administrative responsibilities, and in providing consulting services to business and government. 
 
 

Consulting - There is the freedom of managing your own company or working with an established consulting firm.  Graduate training/substantial experience aids in success.

Journalism - Clear and precise writing of economic subject matter will open doors as a business writer or editor for newspapers, magazines, or trade journals as staff or freelancer.
 

»  The primary occupations of economists with a B.A. are concentrated in executive or administrative, sales, and professional specialities. 

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2006-07 job outlook for economics is growth somewhat slower than the average for all occupations through 2014.   The best opportunities for individuals with backgrounds in economics are expected to be in positions that have titles other than economist.  Master’s and doctoral degree holders  with strong backgrounds in economic theory, mathematics, statistics, and econometrics, will have the basis for acquiring any specialty within the economics field.  Bachelor’s degree holders will face competition for the limited number of economist positions for which they qualify.  However, they will qualify for a number of other positions in which they can take advantage of their economic knowledge by conducting research, developing surveys, or analyzing data.
 

The Occupation Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 lists median annual wages for economists at $72.7K in May 2004.
The Federal Government  provided 2005 stats of :
   -  Bachelor's degree holders:  $24.6K [High GPA = $30.5K]
   -  Master's degree holders:  $37.3K
   -  Ph.D. holders:  $45.2K  [Experienced = $54.2K]
 
 

National Association of Colleges and Employers' 2005 annual report places USA Midwest salary offers to Economics/Finance Bachelor's holders at:
                  Low: $40K                  Median: $44K                 High: $50K

 
 

Akron, OH  Area*

Financial Analyst I
Compiles and analyzes financial information for an organization. Develops integrated revenue/expense analyses, projections, reports, and presentations. Creates and analyzes monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and ensures financial information has been recorded accurately. Identifies trends and developments in competitive environments and presents findings to senior management. Performs financial forecasting and reconciliation of internal accounts. Requires a bachelor's degree and 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.

Low:  $39.9K                 Median: $44.9K                High: $50.1K